Complaint Review: Carmax

Well thanks for your info. Carmax finally understood sometime in aug/sept that they were in the wrong it didn't take getting all the info from professionals and what not, it took a lawsuit for unfair and deceptive practicies for them to finally agree that I should just get my money back. Just for the record I stated they should do that from the begining to save thier time money as well as mine. The unfair and deceptive practicies covered my issue because of thier 125 point inspection brochure.

Jonathan,
Read this three times to get it all. There is an easy solution to all this. Stop wasting your time begging Carmax to return your money. This is key, gather all the information you have collected from other sources that state the car has been damaged. What I mean is get it from all the professional licenced mechanics. Did some one put in writting that the car has been damaged? If not then get it from everyone you made contact with.

Carmax will not give it to you but the others will or should have documented it on an invoice during the alignment!! Did Carmax give you a damaged discloser statement? Look at it and see what it says. You should have signed it and have a copy. It will state any known damage to the car. Since you are in G'boro take this information over to a DMV Enforcement officer. Not the licence office but the "stolen car personel". They are there to do what you want. GET YOUR MONEY BACK.

Tell them only this "Carmax sold me a prevoiusly damaged car without informing me" and no more. Dont complain just state what I said only. They will ask for proof and then explain what they can do to help. They should contact Carmax, but if you get blown off call there supervisor and tell them you are not a satisfied taxpayer and a DMV officer would not help. That will work and get the attention you deserve.

I have done it before, it works well. The supervisor is in the same building. Now there is plenty of lawers that are begging for cases like this in G'boro. They will chew this to pieces. I know a good lawer will get your money back and in some cases you keep the car.

No joke. The law is in your favor 150%. Carmax is saying when they sell you a car that they are "experts in the field of cars". That is what a dealer licence stands for. Experts in the field of selling cars. See where I am going with this? That will go a long way for you in court if you take it to them. Look in the yellow pages or ask DMV who to use.

Put you foot down and stop playing games with Carmax. They will not do anything but waste your time and money. One more thing. Guess where they by cars. 1 mile down the road at Greensboro Auto Auction. Think they can see the hidden damage? Good luck!!

Now, I'm not really talking about carmax here. Let's review. What happened on this page? At the top, Jonathan bought junk that was in an accident. The driver before him jumped the curb and bent everything underneath. Or, maybe it was just your normal accident. Hard to say. But, make no mistake, there was an accident. Did carmax get the vehicle that way? Smashed up? Why didn't they fix it? I mean, they did fix it, just not all of it. Mexican labor. Scratch that. Racist. I mean, cheap labor. Or maybe they just didn't want to put the money into it. Christ, the parts are expensive today!

But, you have to have standards, you know? You can't take it in bent at $8900 and blow it out for $19,950 if it's still bent. The customer will notice. Twenty grand? You gotta make it right for that amount. Here's a tip, mr carmax corporate buyer. Watch out for junk. The theft/stripped/recoveries. The floods. The rollovers and the major frontal impacts. Junk. Unibody now, most everything. It bends. Like taffy. It doesn't go back. You x-check. Measure from corner to corner, diagonally. Hell, the tires alone tell you. All worn off. Wires hanging out on one side. Can you say alignment?

Learn, mr buyer. Stay away from the junk. Look here, at this example. You gotta take the car back. Replace all the bent parts. What do you have in it now? Another $4000? Where will it go next? Will it stay gone this time?

As for Jonathan, how much actual use did you get? Pay for that. You know, you really can't trust the world. Look on the bottom next time. Do you know what to look for? Scrapes. Parts that don't look straight. Abrasion marks. You can tell. It's obvious.

And, Nicole. Pick something. Then, stick with it. Every time you trade around at the dealer, you lose. You had the Focus. It ran fine. If you wanted an SUV, why start off with a Focus? Dealers are there to make money. Two grand a unit. Four? What the hell's a home run these days? I don't know. I never sold cars in a dealership. But, I do know this. Each one is profit. So, Nicole, pick one and buckle up for the long haul. I don't care. Compact or SUV. Your choice.

You were dealing with idiots. Ford maybe? Don't know what you owe them? Or, carmax? Wrote down the wrong numbers? Who can say? But, why the hell did they take the car alarm out? Car alarms sell for $100. Who goes through all the trouble to pull it out of the unit before it's resold? And, license plate brackets? Here's how it's supposed to work at carmax. Take Nicole's Focus and vacuum it out. Wash the outside. Do your mechanical inspection. Then, that's it. Move it up onto the line.

At least they are trying to make it right. So, they can go on. Besides, carmax is one outlet for all the lease returns. The car is only as good as the owner who had it last. But, carmax claims to inspect and recondition. So inspect. Better next time. You know, nobody wants to take the time anymore. Everything is timed. You got 2 hours to inspect and clean the unit. No wonder damage is missed.

Everything is about the money today. Carmax marks these d**n things up. Four? Five? Who the hell knows? For that kind of money, can't you pay an extra $20 in labor and time to inspect better?

It's not carmax I'm talking about. Mistakes happen. Cost accounting and control reduce the time spent on each car to the minimum. Cut it too short and Jonathan gets junk instead of the certified quality he was expecting. That's called mistake. Unfortunately, it's built into the system today.

No, it's the outright frauds I'm talking about. You know who you are. I read these pages each day. You can tell the players one from another.

Now, I know why they do it. It's the American dream. What are we up to now? Two point five kids? Does anybody still desire a white picket fence anymore? But, the problem is that there's just not enough American dream left to go around for everybody that wants it. So, people have to fight over what there is. It's kind of like food rations in a lifeboat. Everybody wants to go on living. Desperation. You need to fight to get what you need when there's not enough to go around.

And, the civility is gone now. The morality too. You're in the fight of your life. You've got bills to pay and expenses to meet. You can't afford to let someone cut in front of you. You need to be the first one in line at the payout window. Keep that income coming in. It's check to check now.

You know, it all starts with the numbers. Everything is so much about the numbers today. Where can we cut our production costs? Overseas? No one ever says what about the workers? What about out staff? Layoffs. It's assumed now. Yeah, the shop foreman grieves. But, management? Hell, they never knew you anyway. What were you to them? A fixed cost. A labor statistic. In Excel, one change affects the whole spreadsheet.

It's the greed, really. Everything is always about the money. The f**king money. Never the principle. And, sure as hell never the girl anymore. It's always the money. And, not my money or your money. No. Corporate money. That's how it all starts. Corporate greed. CEO money. I influence no one but myself. A CEO influences 30,000 people below him. When all the CEOs get together and decide to do something, it influences the nation.

You realize, of course, that we will cease to exist as a civilization in a very short time. What's left? Oil started in roughly 1900. Today, most of it is gone. By 2100, I think. The seas are gone too. You wouldn't think you could do that, would you? I mean, 70% of the surface area is ocean. But, drag nets enough and you sieve out all the fish. Dump s**t in and pollute the rest. Easy to see how it happens.

Population growth. China is coming online now. Americans still haven't figured it out yet. Our population is increasing. This is what I'm saying. The American dream didn't get any bigger, but now it has to support more people.

As Americans, we no longer can sit back and claim manufacturing world dominance anymore. It's just not there anymore. The steel industry is long gone. Automobiles? Huh, count the Toyotas! Tell me, what does the United States manufacture anymore that can't be done better and cheaper overseas? Show me. I'm all ears.

And, you see, the dream itself is corrupted. Nobody is willing to wait until they are 60 anymore. No, everyone wants it now. Overnight. Just look at the internet. Get rich overnight. Lose weight overnight. Certainly not realistic, is it?

You see, I can sit here and visualize the problems. But, how can you influence any change? That's the question. Is it even possible? Maybe not.

When I come here, and read these stories, it's natural to feel bad about the situations. Are the victims stupid for being so trusting? Yes, but do I want to live in a world of paranoia where you never trust anyone or anything? No, I do not. You should be able to sit back and expect something to do what the claim says. You shouldn't have to be on guard every waking moment of every day. That's hard, you know. Cynical. Mistrusting all the time. Who the hell want to live like that?

You know, the worst part is that the victims are powerless. Nobody rushes to their aid. Adrift in a sea of fraud. The poorer ones, drowning. The American dream is beyond their grasp. You can see it, you know. The single parents. Credit card maxed out or worthless. Where can they turn? Advance fee loan scams?

This is why I strive for equal redistribution. Give these people their d**n money back. The correct thing to do is to share what's left as long as it holds out. Not for one company to hoard it all. Even worse, for some d**n fraud to steal away millions while so many victims sink further into poverty.

I wish the legal system would handle this. I mean, yeah, they have web sites and take reports. But, the money. That's what the victims need back. Their money. That's where the system comes up short.

That's why, sometimes, you need to walk in and take it back. If you're young, you need to learn this skill, because it's only going to get worse. I figure another 200 or 300 years, at the most. Four, five generations. And, it gets exponentially harder for each one. So, you need to learn the survival skills now. That means defending what you have and taking back what others cheat you out of.

Man Paul, you're crazy. I like it. A pretty good writer too. But, where were going with that? Are you just trying to point out things could be worse, or...?

First, let me say that I advocate working within the legal system if at all possible. After all, what if everyone simply took out a weapon and proceeded to kill or injure others every time something didn't work out as planned? What kind of world would that turn out to be?

But, in the case of auto dealers, the legal system seems to have failed the very people it is supposed to protect. For example, let's use this typical car dealer scam to help you better understand how they manage to get away with cheating customers year in and year out.

Suppose that you venture onto a local dealer lot to purchase a new truck for yourself. You bring in a six year old vehicle with the intention of using as a trade-in. In addition, you also have managed to save up another $3,000 in funds that you intend to use. So, you are coming in with something of value. You're not one of those people who comes in looking for something for nothing.

After several test-drives you find a vehicle that will meet your needs. You begin the contracts with the intention of making a purchase. Now, assume that you have reasonable credit. You paid your bills on time. That means you can expect around a 7% interest rate on your auto loan. And, coincidentally, that is the number that you're offered by the finance department.

You write the dealership a check for your $3,000 payment. They accept it. As for the trade-in, they make an offer of a few thousand dollars. Not great, but certainly all that you can expect for a six year old truck with close to 90,000 miles on it.

After looking over your contract, you see that you will be financing close to $25,000 at an interest rate of 7%. The total of all payments due is listed. It's a lot of money, no doubt about it. But, it is the price of owning a new vehicle today.

You drive away, content in the fact that you now have a nice new shiny vehicle that is much better than the old one you were used too. At this point, you realize that you have taken on a considerable debt, but overall you are satisfied with the deal.

Unfortunately, that happy feeling soon ends when you arrive home one evening to find that the contract that you signed has become null and void. You get a call from the sales manager telling you to come back immediately and sign new forms for your new contract.

Upon arrival at the dealership, you quickly find that the interest rate you were promised is not going to happen. Instead of 7%, you will be getting 17%. For 6 years of payments! The difference will be thousands of dollars more!

And, it doesn't end there. No, sir! Now, the finance department demands another $4,000 in cash to make the deal happen. What the hell happened to the contract you signed? Wasn't that a binding agreement? Didn't the finance person who arranged your purchase tell you that everything is all done and that you now own the truck? What the hell happened to that promise?

Needless to say, you explain that you can't buy at these numbers. You hand them the keys to the new truck and ask for your old one back.

But, it doesn't work that way. Your trade-in is gone. Wholesaled. Supposedly, they got $800 for it. And, you won't be getting back the $3,000 you put down either. In fact, the finance guy goes on to explain that if you do not sign the contracts at the new, higher interest rate, they will be keeping your $3,000 and the $800 they got for your trade-in plus you will still owe them another $5,000 in costs for the use of the new vehicle that you took home. You see, now the truck you bought isn't new anymore. So, it can't be sold as new. Even though it only has 115 miles on it, they can only give you the value of a used truck back for it.

So, there's your deal. Either find another $4,000 in cash and hand it over. Plus agree to a 17% interest rate for the next 6 years, or else walk out with absolutely nothing. No down payment. No old truck. And, get this, now you have a loan for $5,000 on a new truck that you no longer have.

That's the deal that you're forced into! The finance manager comes in and explains it to you point blank. In fact, the a*****e treats you like he's going to kick your a*s. He comes up and pokes his finger in your chest and tells you how it is.

Look pal, here's how it's going to be. I don't care what the hell you need to do to get it, but you are going to go home and come back here with another $4,000 for me. And then, you are going to sit down here and sign the new contracts that we drew up. Do I make myself perfectly clear?

He pokes his finger into your chest to emphasize his point several times. Saliva comes out of his mouth as he spits out the words at you. The other finance people stand up by his side. The message is loud and clear. Open your mouth and try to argue and they'll all drag you out back and kick your a*s before they throw you the hell off their lot. This is no longer a car deal anymore. Now, it's turned into a strong-arm robbery.

Well, you leave and drive right over to the town police department office. They are sympathetic, but in the end they explain that there is nothing they can really do for you. No laws have been broken. They look over the old contract you were given and come to the conclusion that it is within the dealer's rights to change the finance numbers as they see fit.

In other words, they will not be doing anything for you. The officer at the desk walks you to the door and holds it open for you. Again, the message is perfectly clear. Don't come here and bother us because you aren't happy with your truck deal.

In the morning, you go down to the local courthouse and see about filing a small claims suit. Again, you get the bum's rush. The clerk agrees to take your filing fee, but first you must provide evidence of fraud. She tells you that the contract you have in your possession is not considered evidence of fraud. She walks you to the door and holds it open.

Now you're desperate. You go home and call a few attorneys that you find in the yellow pages. One offers to take your case for a retainer fee of $1,500 to start. He explains that he'll need more money as the case progresses. Another attorney is a bit more honest with you. This one explains that it is merely a financial matter concerning credit and that no court would offer you any chance to get out of the deal. After all, he explains, you did agree to buy the truck, didn't you?

You hang up the phone. Defeated. Broken. What can you do? You don't have the $4,000 that the dealer demands. In fact, the $3,000 that you did give them emptied your bank account except for the minimum needed to keep the account open. And, at 17% interest the monthly payments would be more than you could afford anyway.

What can you do? The police department shows you the door. The small claims lady acted like you were some crazy nut who was just bothering her. All the lawyers want is more money that you don't have.

So, what can you do? Where do you turn? Right now, you are renting. But you intended to buy a house this year. But, how will you be able to do that now with this credit problem? You started off with an old truck. Now, you have nothing. Your money is gone. Your old truck is gone.

You sit there and try to think. There has to be a way out of this. You pour yourself a shot of some whisky that you keep for when guests come over. A few hours later, you call your girlfriend at work. She is sympathetic, but unfortunately she simply doesn't have any money to loan you. After all, she is a single mother of a two year old daughter. There are months when her ex-husband simply forgets to send his child support. But, she lets it go because she knows that they have cut back everyone's hours down at the plant.

You thank her for her time just as she tells you that she has to be getting back to work now. A customer just walked in and her lunch break is over. She asks if you'll be OK and you tell her not to worry. Everything will be just fine, you say.

But, who are you kidding? Nothing is fine! Nothing will be fine! How could anything be fine? You're backed up against the wall! You got nowhere to go and nowhere left to turn! This is not fine! In fact, this is the complete opposite of fine! This is so un-fine that it's never going to be fine ever again!

As you're standing there gazing out your living-room window, you see that god-damned dog from next-door. Taking a s**t in your yard again! You told the neighbor about that! Hell, you live on a back road miles from town. The nearest neighbor is thousands of feet away. So, why can't he keep his dog in his own yard? Is that too much to ask? Is it too much for a man to have a clean front yard when he doesn't even have a dog? You know, people push you. They just keep pushing and pushing just to see how far you will go.

As you're thinking these words, you head out into the attached garage. The alcohol has fogged your brain somewhat. After all, you rarely drink anything. You gave up having a beer after work several years ago, when you went on the health and fitness plan.

As you slam open the garage door, a hammer drops off the wall and lands on top of your shoe. It's a rubber hammer. They call it a dead-blow hammer because it's filled with lead shot. Dead-blow. Huh? That's funny.

You look down at your feet now. You're outside in the yard. How did this happen? The dog is lying there. It's kind of yelping. Little, short yelps. Almost like a kitten. Yeah. A new-born kitten. A day or two old. Fresh out of the womb. That's the sound that the dog is making.

The dog is missing an eye. The empty socket is like a black cavity in the animal's head. The eye is hanging out, by a thread of tissue. All you did was hit the dog once. You really didn't put all your strength into it either. It's the dead-blow hammer. The d**n hammer. What is happening here?

You will have to remember to take it easy on the finance manager. What was his name again? Murphy, wasn't it? Yeah, that's how he came over and introduced himself. Mr. Murphy.

By now, it's almost dark and getting late in the day. How long were you sitting in the truck? Five cigarettes? Six, maybe? You look in your pocket and see that the whole pack is empty. Now, why would somebody put an empty cigarette box back in his shirt pocket? What sense does that make?

Isn't it strange, the things that go through your mind at a time like this? I mean, what is the purpose of your life? Why do you get up and go to work each day? What is your place in this universe? Will you die today? Were you ever really alive to begin with, or was this whole thing only a dream?

No more drinks. You need to be clear-headed for what comes next. You get out of the truck and go back inside. Revolver. Three-fifty seven magnum. Dirty-Harry. No, Callahan always carried a forty-four. Either way, this will do fine. Don't forget the hammer. Dead-blow hammer, you giggle to yourself.

As you walk back out to the truck, you notice that the dog is gone now. Not moving. Flies are in its mouth. BOOM! The bullet splatters into the rib cage. BOOM! Now, the head is gone. d**n, you didn't even aim. Well, how hard can it be to hit something that's eight feet away? Practice shots. The time will come soon for the real thing. And, now you know that you can do it. You got what it takes. No hesitation. No mercy. Destiny. I'm mr f**king destiny come down to pay my bill!

Alright, now you're going. The truck is in gear and heading down the road. I'm going to see Mr. Murphy. I got your money, pal. Pal. Old-buddy. Yeah, we're gonna dance tonight old buddy! Just you and me and the one-eyed dog.

It's funny how people go from sane and rational and going to work and paying their taxes and the electric bill like a normal person. Funny how that can all change in an instant. I mean, who would think? Yesterday morning you got up and went to work and showed your co-workers your new truck. You made plans for the weekend. Maybe some fishing out at the lake. Didn't the county just stock it with new fish recently? What were they? Trout? Hell, I don't know. Either way, it would have been a fun weekend out with your friends.

But, now that's all gone. All gone. Gone, gone, gone! Now you're heading down to the dealership with the intention of killing most of the people there. There, you said it! See? You said it! No fear. You have what it takes. BOOM! The truck's passenger side window is gone. The glass pieces blow away in the wind. Almost there now. Gotta be cool. Let's get it together. Remember, no mercy. We're gonna dance.

And, there he is. Mr. Murphy. Alright! What's that expression they always use? Cocked and locked? Wait, isn't that just for 45 automatics? Why do they even say that? Why would you want it to be locked? What sense does that make?

You're inside now. You're walking in slow motion. A dream. Is this all a dream? And, what about my cigarettes? d**n, I knew I forgot something! Even a condemned man is entitled to a last smoke, right? You grab a Marlboro from the red box on the girl's desk. What does she do here? Receptionist? Clerk? She's young. Maybe 18 or 19. Still seated in her office chair. She pushes back frantically with her feet, away from you. Eyes wide. Shaking. For a moment, you make eye contact. Little girl. Frantic girl. Pleading girl. Begging with her eyes. Are those tinted contacts? Pretty blue. But, she's not the one. Life will go on.

But, for you, it's up the stairs. Two at a time. That's because you're here on a mission. We're gonna dance. You and me mr car dealership owner. And, let's not forget the one-eyed dog. He would have wanted it that way. Dogs make good pets. If he were here now, he'd bite this nasty car dealer owner. Sic em boy. Show these car people that I mean business.

Look, this is a big misunderstanding, pal. Please! I got a wife and two kids. He's pleading now too. Funny, he seems almost calm. Nervous, but calm, in a detached sort of way. Too calm for a man seconds away from death. But, that's OK, because you're calm too. Where are you gonna go? I mean, after the dance? Where are you gonna go? How many bullets are left? Let's see, one went out the window. Two more for Mr. Murphy. That's three. And, now two more for the dealership owner. Is he gone? Yeah, he's gone. Just like the one-eyed dog. His head's missing. You know, you really should have gone hunting when you had the chance. You're pretty d**n good. I mean, considering that you aren't even aiming or anything.

So, what have we got left? One bullet. And, it's got your name on it. What the hell, you were there to dance anyway! It's funny. Here you are, moments away from your own death, and yet you have never felt more alive. Every sense. So in touch with the world. You hear everything. The subtle nuances. So, this is how it all works, huh? You can feel the end of the barrel as you press it up against your temple. At your feet, you hear the owner gurgle for a second. As you look down at him, you see your own reflection in the window glass behind his desk. What is your last thought? God d**n! I left the garage door open. You were in such a hurry to rush right down here that you left the d**n garage door open!

In your next life, you really need to remember to be more careful. After all, that's how burglaries happen, right? How can a man keep control of his kingdom if he goes around leaving every garage door open? You really need to make a note of that so you won't forget next time.

First, let me say that I advocate working within the legal system if at all possible. After all, what if everyone simply took out a weapon and proceeded to kill or injure others every time something didn't work out as planned? What kind of world would that turn out to be?

But, in the case of auto dealers, the legal system seems to have failed the very people it is supposed to protect. For example, let's use this typical car dealer scam to help you better understand how they manage to get away with cheating customers year in and year out.

Suppose that you venture onto a local dealer lot to purchase a new truck for yourself. You bring in a six year old vehicle with the intention of using as a trade-in. In addition, you also have managed to save up another $3,000 in funds that you intend to use. So, you are coming in with something of value. You're not one of those people who comes in looking for something for nothing.

After several test-drives you find a vehicle that will meet your needs. You begin the contracts with the intention of making a purchase. Now, assume that you have reasonable credit. You paid your bills on time. That means you can expect around a 7% interest rate on your auto loan. And, coincidentally, that is the number that you're offered by the finance department.

You write the dealership a check for your $3,000 payment. They accept it. As for the trade-in, they make an offer of a few thousand dollars. Not great, but certainly all that you can expect for a six year old truck with close to 90,000 miles on it.

After looking over your contract, you see that you will be financing close to $25,000 at an interest rate of 7%. The total of all payments due is listed. It's a lot of money, no doubt about it. But, it is the price of owning a new vehicle today.

You drive away, content in the fact that you now have a nice new shiny vehicle that is much better than the old one you were used too. At this point, you realize that you have taken on a considerable debt, but overall you are satisfied with the deal.

Unfortunately, that happy feeling soon ends when you arrive home one evening to find that the contract that you signed has become null and void. You get a call from the sales manager telling you to come back immediately and sign new forms for your new contract.

Upon arrival at the dealership, you quickly find that the interest rate you were promised is not going to happen. Instead of 7%, you will be getting 17%. For 6 years of payments! The difference will be thousands of dollars more!

And, it doesn't end there. No, sir! Now, the finance department demands another $4,000 in cash to make the deal happen. What the hell happened to the contract you signed? Wasn't that a binding agreement? Didn't the finance person who arranged your purchase tell you that everything is all done and that you now own the truck? What the hell happened to that promise?

Needless to say, you explain that you can't buy at these numbers. You hand them the keys to the new truck and ask for your old one back.

But, it doesn't work that way. Your trade-in is gone. Wholesaled. Supposedly, they got $800 for it. And, you won't be getting back the $3,000 you put down either. In fact, the finance guy goes on to explain that if you do not sign the contracts at the new, higher interest rate, they will be keeping your $3,000 and the $800 they got for your trade-in plus you will still owe them another $5,000 in costs for the use of the new vehicle that you took home. You see, now the truck you bought isn't new anymore. So, it can't be sold as new. Even though it only has 115 miles on it, they can only give you the value of a used truck back for it.

So, there's your deal. Either find another $4,000 in cash and hand it over. Plus agree to a 17% interest rate for the next 6 years, or else walk out with absolutely nothing. No down payment. No old truck. And, get this, now you have a loan for $5,000 on a new truck that you no longer have.

That's the deal that you're forced into! The finance manager comes in and explains it to you point blank. In fact, the a*****e treats you like he's going to kick your a*s. He comes up and pokes his finger in your chest and tells you how it is.

Look pal, here's how it's going to be. I don't care what the hell you need to do to get it, but you are going to go home and come back here with another $4,000 for me. And then, you are going to sit down here and sign the new contracts that we drew up. Do I make myself perfectly clear?

He pokes his finger into your chest to emphasize his point several times. Saliva comes out of his mouth as he spits out the words at you. The other finance people stand up by his side. The message is loud and clear. Open your mouth and try to argue and they'll all drag you out back and kick your a*s before they throw you the hell off their lot. This is no longer a car deal anymore. Now, it's turned into a strong-arm robbery.

Well, you leave and drive right over to the town police department office. They are sympathetic, but in the end they explain that there is nothing they can really do for you. No laws have been broken. They look over the old contract you were given and come to the conclusion that it is within the dealer's rights to change the finance numbers as they see fit.

In other words, they will not be doing anything for you. The officer at the desk walks you to the door and holds it open for you. Again, the message is perfectly clear. Don't come here and bother us because you aren't happy with your truck deal.

In the morning, you go down to the local courthouse and see about filing a small claims suit. Again, you get the bum's rush. The clerk agrees to take your filing fee, but first you must provide evidence of fraud. She tells you that the contract you have in your possession is not considered evidence of fraud. She walks you to the door and holds it open.

Now you're desperate. You go home and call a few attorneys that you find in the yellow pages. One offers to take your case for a retainer fee of $1,500 to start. He explains that he'll need more money as the case progresses. Another attorney is a bit more honest with you. This one explains that it is merely a financial matter concerning credit and that no court would offer you any chance to get out of the deal. After all, he explains, you did agree to buy the truck, didn't you?

You hang up the phone. Defeated. Broken. What can you do? You don't have the $4,000 that the dealer demands. In fact, the $3,000 that you did give them emptied your bank account except for the minimum needed to keep the account open. And, at 17% interest the monthly payments would be more than you could afford anyway.

What can you do? The police department shows you the door. The small claims lady acted like you were some crazy nut who was just bothering her. All the lawyers want is more money that you don't have.

So, what can you do? Where do you turn? Right now, you are renting. But you intended to buy a house this year. But, how will you be able to do that now with this credit problem? You started off with an old truck. Now, you have nothing. Your money is gone. Your old truck is gone.

You sit there and try to think. There has to be a way out of this. You pour yourself a shot of some whisky that you keep for when guests come over. A few hours later, you call your girlfriend at work. She is sympathetic, but unfortunately she simply doesn't have any money to loan you. After all, she is a single mother of a two year old daughter. There are months when her ex-husband simply forgets to send his child support. But, she lets it go because she knows that they have cut back everyone's hours down at the plant.

You thank her for her time just as she tells you that she has to be getting back to work now. A customer just walked in and her lunch break is over. She asks if you'll be OK and you tell her not to worry. Everything will be just fine, you say.

But, who are you kidding? Nothing is fine! Nothing will be fine! How could anything be fine? You're backed up against the wall! You got nowhere to go and nowhere left to turn! This is not fine! In fact, this is the complete opposite of fine! This is so un-fine that it's never going to be fine ever again!

As you're standing there gazing out your living-room window, you see that god-damned dog from next-door. Taking a s**t in your yard again! You told the neighbor about that! Hell, you live on a back road miles from town. The nearest neighbor is thousands of feet away. So, why can't he keep his dog in his own yard? Is that too much to ask? Is it too much for a man to have a clean front yard when he doesn't even have a dog? You know, people push you. They just keep pushing and pushing just to see how far you will go.

As you're thinking these words, you head out into the attached garage. The alcohol has fogged your brain somewhat. After all, you rarely drink anything. You gave up having a beer after work several years ago, when you went on the health and fitness plan.

As you slam open the garage door, a hammer drops off the wall and lands on top of your shoe. It's a rubber hammer. They call it a dead-blow hammer because it's filled with lead shot. Dead-blow. Huh? That's funny.

You look down at your feet now. You're outside in the yard. How did this happen? The dog is lying there. It's kind of yelping. Little, short yelps. Almost like a kitten. Yeah. A new-born kitten. A day or two old. Fresh out of the womb. That's the sound that the dog is making.

The dog is missing an eye. The empty socket is like a black cavity in the animal's head. The eye is hanging out, by a thread of tissue. All you did was hit the dog once. You really didn't put all your strength into it either. It's the dead-blow hammer. The d**n hammer. What is happening here?

You will have to remember to take it easy on the finance manager. What was his name again? Murphy, wasn't it? Yeah, that's how he came over and introduced himself. Mr. Murphy.

By now, it's almost dark and getting late in the day. How long were you sitting in the truck? Five cigarettes? Six, maybe? You look in your pocket and see that the whole pack is empty. Now, why would somebody put an empty cigarette box back in his shirt pocket? What sense does that make?

Isn't it strange, the things that go through your mind at a time like this? I mean, what is the purpose of your life? Why do you get up and go to work each day? What is your place in this universe? Will you die today? Were you ever really alive to begin with, or was this whole thing only a dream?

No more drinks. You need to be clear-headed for what comes next. You get out of the truck and go back inside. Revolver. Three-fifty seven magnum. Dirty-Harry. No, Callahan always carried a forty-four. Either way, this will do fine. Don't forget the hammer. Dead-blow hammer, you giggle to yourself.

As you walk back out to the truck, you notice that the dog is gone now. Not moving. Flies are in its mouth. BOOM! The bullet splatters into the rib cage. BOOM! Now, the head is gone. d**n, you didn't even aim. Well, how hard can it be to hit something that's eight feet away? Practice shots. The time will come soon for the real thing. And, now you know that you can do it. You got what it takes. No hesitation. No mercy. Destiny. I'm mr f**king destiny come down to pay my bill!

Alright, now you're going. The truck is in gear and heading down the road. I'm going to see Mr. Murphy. I got your money, pal. Pal. Old-buddy. Yeah, we're gonna dance tonight old buddy! Just you and me and the one-eyed dog.

It's funny how people go from sane and rational and going to work and paying their taxes and the electric bill like a normal person. Funny how that can all change in an instant. I mean, who would think? Yesterday morning you got up and went to work and showed your co-workers your new truck. You made plans for the weekend. Maybe some fishing out at the lake. Didn't the county just stock it with new fish recently? What were they? Trout? Hell, I don't know. Either way, it would have been a fun weekend out with your friends.

But, now that's all gone. All gone. Gone, gone, gone! Now you're heading down to the dealership with the intention of killing most of the people there. There, you said it! See? You said it! No fear. You have what it takes. BOOM! The truck's passenger side window is gone. The glass pieces blow away in the wind. Almost there now. Gotta be cool. Let's get it together. Remember, no mercy. We're gonna dance.

And, there he is. Mr. Murphy. Alright! What's that expression they always use? Cocked and locked? Wait, isn't that just for 45 automatics? Why do they even say that? Why would you want it to be locked? What sense does that make?

You're inside now. You're walking in slow motion. A dream. Is this all a dream? And, what about my cigarettes? d**n, I knew I forgot something! Even a condemned man is entitled to a last smoke, right? You grab a Marlboro from the red box on the girl's desk. What does she do here? Receptionist? Clerk? She's young. Maybe 18 or 19. Still seated in her office chair. She pushes back frantically with her feet, away from you. Eyes wide. Shaking. For a moment, you make eye contact. Little girl. Frantic girl. Pleading girl. Begging with her eyes. Are those tinted contacts? Pretty blue. But, she's not the one. Life will go on.

But, for you, it's up the stairs. Two at a time. That's because you're here on a mission. We're gonna dance. You and me mr car dealership owner. And, let's not forget the one-eyed dog. He would have wanted it that way. Dogs make good pets. If he were here now, he'd bite this nasty car dealer owner. Sic em boy. Show these car people that I mean business.

Look, this is a big misunderstanding, pal. Please! I got a wife and two kids. He's pleading now too. Funny, he seems almost calm. Nervous, but calm, in a detached sort of way. Too calm for a man seconds away from death. But, that's OK, because you're calm too. Where are you gonna go? I mean, after the dance? Where are you gonna go? How many bullets are left? Let's see, one went out the window. Two more for Mr. Murphy. That's three. And, now two more for the dealership owner. Is he gone? Yeah, he's gone. Just like the one-eyed dog. His head's missing. You know, you really should have gone hunting when you had the chance. You're pretty d**n good. I mean, considering that you aren't even aiming or anything.

So, what have we got left? One bullet. And, it's got your name on it. What the hell, you were there to dance anyway! It's funny. Here you are, moments away from your own death, and yet you have never felt more alive. Every sense. So in touch with the world. You hear everything. The subtle nuances. So, this is how it all works, huh? You can feel the end of the barrel as you press it up against your temple. At your feet, you hear the owner gurgle for a second. As you look down at him, you see your own reflection in the window glass behind his desk. What is your last thought? God d**n! I left the garage door open. You were in such a hurry to rush right down here that you left the d**n garage door open!

In your next life, you really need to remember to be more careful. After all, that's how burglaries happen, right? How can a man keep control of his kingdom if he goes around leaving every garage door open? You really need to make a note of that so you won't forget next time.

First, let me say that I advocate working within the legal system if at all possible. After all, what if everyone simply took out a weapon and proceeded to kill or injure others every time something didn't work out as planned? What kind of world would that turn out to be?

But, in the case of auto dealers, the legal system seems to have failed the very people it is supposed to protect. For example, let's use this typical car dealer scam to help you better understand how they manage to get away with cheating customers year in and year out.

Suppose that you venture onto a local dealer lot to purchase a new truck for yourself. You bring in a six year old vehicle with the intention of using as a trade-in. In addition, you also have managed to save up another $3,000 in funds that you intend to use. So, you are coming in with something of value. You're not one of those people who comes in looking for something for nothing.

After several test-drives you find a vehicle that will meet your needs. You begin the contracts with the intention of making a purchase. Now, assume that you have reasonable credit. You paid your bills on time. That means you can expect around a 7% interest rate on your auto loan. And, coincidentally, that is the number that you're offered by the finance department.

You write the dealership a check for your $3,000 payment. They accept it. As for the trade-in, they make an offer of a few thousand dollars. Not great, but certainly all that you can expect for a six year old truck with close to 90,000 miles on it.

After looking over your contract, you see that you will be financing close to $25,000 at an interest rate of 7%. The total of all payments due is listed. It's a lot of money, no doubt about it. But, it is the price of owning a new vehicle today.

You drive away, content in the fact that you now have a nice new shiny vehicle that is much better than the old one you were used too. At this point, you realize that you have taken on a considerable debt, but overall you are satisfied with the deal.

Unfortunately, that happy feeling soon ends when you arrive home one evening to find that the contract that you signed has become null and void. You get a call from the sales manager telling you to come back immediately and sign new forms for your new contract.

Upon arrival at the dealership, you quickly find that the interest rate you were promised is not going to happen. Instead of 7%, you will be getting 17%. For 6 years of payments! The difference will be thousands of dollars more!

And, it doesn't end there. No, sir! Now, the finance department demands another $4,000 in cash to make the deal happen. What the hell happened to the contract you signed? Wasn't that a binding agreement? Didn't the finance person who arranged your purchase tell you that everything is all done and that you now own the truck? What the hell happened to that promise?

Needless to say, you explain that you can't buy at these numbers. You hand them the keys to the new truck and ask for your old one back.

But, it doesn't work that way. Your trade-in is gone. Wholesaled. Supposedly, they got $800 for it. And, you won't be getting back the $3,000 you put down either. In fact, the finance guy goes on to explain that if you do not sign the contracts at the new, higher interest rate, they will be keeping your $3,000 and the $800 they got for your trade-in plus you will still owe them another $5,000 in costs for the use of the new vehicle that you took home. You see, now the truck you bought isn't new anymore. So, it can't be sold as new. Even though it only has 115 miles on it, they can only give you the value of a used truck back for it.

So, there's your deal. Either find another $4,000 in cash and hand it over. Plus agree to a 17% interest rate for the next 6 years, or else walk out with absolutely nothing. No down payment. No old truck. And, get this, now you have a loan for $5,000 on a new truck that you no longer have.

That's the deal that you're forced into! The finance manager comes in and explains it to you point blank. In fact, the a*****e treats you like he's going to kick your a*s. He comes up and pokes his finger in your chest and tells you how it is.

Look pal, here's how it's going to be. I don't care what the hell you need to do to get it, but you are going to go home and come back here with another $4,000 for me. And then, you are going to sit down here and sign the new contracts that we drew up. Do I make myself perfectly clear?

He pokes his finger into your chest to emphasize his point several times. Saliva comes out of his mouth as he spits out the words at you. The other finance people stand up by his side. The message is loud and clear. Open your mouth and try to argue and they'll all drag you out back and kick your a*s before they throw you the hell off their lot. This is no longer a car deal anymore. Now, it's turned into a strong-arm robbery.

Well, you leave and drive right over to the town police department office. They are sympathetic, but in the end they explain that there is nothing they can really do for you. No laws have been broken. They look over the old contract you were given and come to the conclusion that it is within the dealer's rights to change the finance numbers as they see fit.

In other words, they will not be doing anything for you. The officer at the desk walks you to the door and holds it open for you. Again, the message is perfectly clear. Don't come here and bother us because you aren't happy with your truck deal.

In the morning, you go down to the local courthouse and see about filing a small claims suit. Again, you get the bum's rush. The clerk agrees to take your filing fee, but first you must provide evidence of fraud. She tells you that the contract you have in your possession is not considered evidence of fraud. She walks you to the door and holds it open.

Now you're desperate. You go home and call a few attorneys that you find in the yellow pages. One offers to take your case for a retainer fee of $1,500 to start. He explains that he'll need more money as the case progresses. Another attorney is a bit more honest with you. This one explains that it is merely a financial matter concerning credit and that no court would offer you any chance to get out of the deal. After all, he explains, you did agree to buy the truck, didn't you?

You hang up the phone. Defeated. Broken. What can you do? You don't have the $4,000 that the dealer demands. In fact, the $3,000 that you did give them emptied your bank account except for the minimum needed to keep the account open. And, at 17% interest the monthly payments would be more than you could afford anyway.

What can you do? The police department shows you the door. The small claims lady acted like you were some crazy nut who was just bothering her. All the lawyers want is more money that you don't have.

So, what can you do? Where do you turn? Right now, you are renting. But you intended to buy a house this year. But, how will you be able to do that now with this credit problem? You started off with an old truck. Now, you have nothing. Your money is gone. Your old truck is gone.

You sit there and try to think. There has to be a way out of this. You pour yourself a shot of some whisky that you keep for when guests come over. A few hours later, you call your girlfriend at work. She is sympathetic, but unfortunately she simply doesn't have any money to loan you. After all, she is a single mother of a two year old daughter. There are months when her ex-husband simply forgets to send his child support. But, she lets it go because she knows that they have cut back everyone's hours down at the plant.

You thank her for her time just as she tells you that she has to be getting back to work now. A customer just walked in and her lunch break is over. She asks if you'll be OK and you tell her not to worry. Everything will be just fine, you say.

But, who are you kidding? Nothing is fine! Nothing will be fine! How could anything be fine? You're backed up against the wall! You got nowhere to go and nowhere left to turn! This is not fine! In fact, this is the complete opposite of fine! This is so un-fine that it's never going to be fine ever again!

As you're standing there gazing out your living-room window, you see that god-damned dog from next-door. Taking a s**t in your yard again! You told the neighbor about that! Hell, you live on a back road miles from town. The nearest neighbor is thousands of feet away. So, why can't he keep his dog in his own yard? Is that too much to ask? Is it too much for a man to have a clean front yard when he doesn't even have a dog? You know, people push you. They just keep pushing and pushing just to see how far you will go.

As you're thinking these words, you head out into the attached garage. The alcohol has fogged your brain somewhat. After all, you rarely drink anything. You gave up having a beer after work several years ago, when you went on the health and fitness plan.

As you slam open the garage door, a hammer drops off the wall and lands on top of your shoe. It's a rubber hammer. They call it a dead-blow hammer because it's filled with lead shot. Dead-blow. Huh? That's funny.

You look down at your feet now. You're outside in the yard. How did this happen? The dog is lying there. It's kind of yelping. Little, short yelps. Almost like a kitten. Yeah. A new-born kitten. A day or two old. Fresh out of the womb. That's the sound that the dog is making.

The dog is missing an eye. The empty socket is like a black cavity in the animal's head. The eye is hanging out, by a thread of tissue. All you did was hit the dog once. You really didn't put all your strength into it either. It's the dead-blow hammer. The d**n hammer. What is happening here?

You will have to remember to take it easy on the finance manager. What was his name again? Murphy, wasn't it? Yeah, that's how he came over and introduced himself. Mr. Murphy.

By now, it's almost dark and getting late in the day. How long were you sitting in the truck? Five cigarettes? Six, maybe? You look in your pocket and see that the whole pack is empty. Now, why would somebody put an empty cigarette box back in his shirt pocket? What sense does that make?

Isn't it strange, the things that go through your mind at a time like this? I mean, what is the purpose of your life? Why do you get up and go to work each day? What is your place in this universe? Will you die today? Were you ever really alive to begin with, or was this whole thing only a dream?

No more drinks. You need to be clear-headed for what comes next. You get out of the truck and go back inside. Revolver. Three-fifty seven magnum. Dirty-Harry. No, Callahan always carried a forty-four. Either way, this will do fine. Don't forget the hammer. Dead-blow hammer, you giggle to yourself.

As you walk back out to the truck, you notice that the dog is gone now. Not moving. Flies are in its mouth. BOOM! The bullet splatters into the rib cage. BOOM! Now, the head is gone. d**n, you didn't even aim. Well, how hard can it be to hit something that's eight feet away? Practice shots. The time will come soon for the real thing. And, now you know that you can do it. You got what it takes. No hesitation. No mercy. Destiny. I'm mr f**king destiny come down to pay my bill!

Alright, now you're going. The truck is in gear and heading down the road. I'm going to see Mr. Murphy. I got your money, pal. Pal. Old-buddy. Yeah, we're gonna dance tonight old buddy! Just you and me and the one-eyed dog.

It's funny how people go from sane and rational and going to work and paying their taxes and the electric bill like a normal person. Funny how that can all change in an instant. I mean, who would think? Yesterday morning you got up and went to work and showed your co-workers your new truck. You made plans for the weekend. Maybe some fishing out at the lake. Didn't the county just stock it with new fish recently? What were they? Trout? Hell, I don't know. Either way, it would have been a fun weekend out with your friends.

But, now that's all gone. All gone. Gone, gone, gone! Now you're heading down to the dealership with the intention of killing most of the people there. There, you said it! See? You said it! No fear. You have what it takes. BOOM! The truck's passenger side window is gone. The glass pieces blow away in the wind. Almost there now. Gotta be cool. Let's get it together. Remember, no mercy. We're gonna dance.

And, there he is. Mr. Murphy. Alright! What's that expression they always use? Cocked and locked? Wait, isn't that just for 45 automatics? Why do they even say that? Why would you want it to be locked? What sense does that make?

You're inside now. You're walking in slow motion. A dream. Is this all a dream? And, what about my cigarettes? d**n, I knew I forgot something! Even a condemned man is entitled to a last smoke, right? You grab a Marlboro from the red box on the girl's desk. What does she do here? Receptionist? Clerk? She's young. Maybe 18 or 19. Still seated in her office chair. She pushes back frantically with her feet, away from you. Eyes wide. Shaking. For a moment, you make eye contact. Little girl. Frantic girl. Pleading girl. Begging with her eyes. Are those tinted contacts? Pretty blue. But, she's not the one. Life will go on.

But, for you, it's up the stairs. Two at a time. That's because you're here on a mission. We're gonna dance. You and me mr car dealership owner. And, let's not forget the one-eyed dog. He would have wanted it that way. Dogs make good pets. If he were here now, he'd bite this nasty car dealer owner. Sic em boy. Show these car people that I mean business.

Look, this is a big misunderstanding, pal. Please! I got a wife and two kids. He's pleading now too. Funny, he seems almost calm. Nervous, but calm, in a detached sort of way. Too calm for a man seconds away from death. But, that's OK, because you're calm too. Where are you gonna go? I mean, after the dance? Where are you gonna go? How many bullets are left? Let's see, one went out the window. Two more for Mr. Murphy. That's three. And, now two more for the dealership owner. Is he gone? Yeah, he's gone. Just like the one-eyed dog. His head's missing. You know, you really should have gone hunting when you had the chance. You're pretty d**n good. I mean, considering that you aren't even aiming or anything.

So, what have we got left? One bullet. And, it's got your name on it. What the hell, you were there to dance anyway! It's funny. Here you are, moments away from your own death, and yet you have never felt more alive. Every sense. So in touch with the world. You hear everything. The subtle nuances. So, this is how it all works, huh? You can feel the end of the barrel as you press it up against your temple. At your feet, you hear the owner gurgle for a second. As you look down at him, you see your own reflection in the window glass behind his desk. What is your last thought? God d**n! I left the garage door open. You were in such a hurry to rush right down here that you left the d**n garage door open!

In your next life, you really need to remember to be more careful. After all, that's how burglaries happen, right? How can a man keep control of his kingdom if he goes around leaving every garage door open? You really need to make a note of that so you won't forget next time.

First, let me say that I advocate working within the legal system if at all possible. After all, what if everyone simply took out a weapon and proceeded to kill or injure others every time something didn't work out as planned? What kind of world would that turn out to be?

But, in the case of auto dealers, the legal system seems to have failed the very people it is supposed to protect. For example, let's use this typical car dealer scam to help you better understand how they manage to get away with cheating customers year in and year out.

Suppose that you venture onto a local dealer lot to purchase a new truck for yourself. You bring in a six year old vehicle with the intention of using as a trade-in. In addition, you also have managed to save up another $3,000 in funds that you intend to use. So, you are coming in with something of value. You're not one of those people who comes in looking for something for nothing.

After several test-drives you find a vehicle that will meet your needs. You begin the contracts with the intention of making a purchase. Now, assume that you have reasonable credit. You paid your bills on time. That means you can expect around a 7% interest rate on your auto loan. And, coincidentally, that is the number that you're offered by the finance department.

You write the dealership a check for your $3,000 payment. They accept it. As for the trade-in, they make an offer of a few thousand dollars. Not great, but certainly all that you can expect for a six year old truck with close to 90,000 miles on it.

After looking over your contract, you see that you will be financing close to $25,000 at an interest rate of 7%. The total of all payments due is listed. It's a lot of money, no doubt about it. But, it is the price of owning a new vehicle today.

You drive away, content in the fact that you now have a nice new shiny vehicle that is much better than the old one you were used too. At this point, you realize that you have taken on a considerable debt, but overall you are satisfied with the deal.

Unfortunately, that happy feeling soon ends when you arrive home one evening to find that the contract that you signed has become null and void. You get a call from the sales manager telling you to come back immediately and sign new forms for your new contract.

Upon arrival at the dealership, you quickly find that the interest rate you were promised is not going to happen. Instead of 7%, you will be getting 17%. For 6 years of payments! The difference will be thousands of dollars more!

And, it doesn't end there. No, sir! Now, the finance department demands another $4,000 in cash to make the deal happen. What the hell happened to the contract you signed? Wasn't that a binding agreement? Didn't the finance person who arranged your purchase tell you that everything is all done and that you now own the truck? What the hell happened to that promise?

Needless to say, you explain that you can't buy at these numbers. You hand them the keys to the new truck and ask for your old one back.

But, it doesn't work that way. Your trade-in is gone. Wholesaled. Supposedly, they got $800 for it. And, you won't be getting back the $3,000 you put down either. In fact, the finance guy goes on to explain that if you do not sign the contracts at the new, higher interest rate, they will be keeping your $3,000 and the $800 they got for your trade-in plus you will still owe them another $5,000 in costs for the use of the new vehicle that you took home. You see, now the truck you bought isn't new anymore. So, it can't be sold as new. Even though it only has 115 miles on it, they can only give you the value of a used truck back for it.

So, there's your deal. Either find another $4,000 in cash and hand it over. Plus agree to a 17% interest rate for the next 6 years, or else walk out with absolutely nothing. No down payment. No old truck. And, get this, now you have a loan for $5,000 on a new truck that you no longer have.

That's the deal that you're forced into! The finance manager comes in and explains it to you point blank. In fact, the a*****e treats you like he's going to kick your a*s. He comes up and pokes his finger in your chest and tells you how it is.

Look pal, here's how it's going to be. I don't care what the hell you need to do to get it, but you are going to go home and come back here with another $4,000 for me. And then, you are going to sit down here and sign the new contracts that we drew up. Do I make myself perfectly clear?

He pokes his finger into your chest to emphasize his point several times. Saliva comes out of his mouth as he spits out the words at you. The other finance people stand up by his side. The message is loud and clear. Open your mouth and try to argue and they'll all drag you out back and kick your a*s before they throw you the hell off their lot. This is no longer a car deal anymore. Now, it's turned into a strong-arm robbery.

Well, you leave and drive right over to the town police department office. They are sympathetic, but in the end they explain that there is nothing they can really do for you. No laws have been broken. They look over the old contract you were given and come to the conclusion that it is within the dealer's rights to change the finance numbers as they see fit.

In other words, they will not be doing anything for you. The officer at the desk walks you to the door and holds it open for you. Again, the message is perfectly clear. Don't come here and bother us because you aren't happy with your truck deal.

In the morning, you go down to the local courthouse and see about filing a small claims suit. Again, you get the bum's rush. The clerk agrees to take your filing fee, but first you must provide evidence of fraud. She tells you that the contract you have in your possession is not considered evidence of fraud. She walks you to the door and holds it open.

Now you're desperate. You go home and call a few attorneys that you find in the yellow pages. One offers to take your case for a retainer fee of $1,500 to start. He explains that he'll need more money as the case progresses. Another attorney is a bit more honest with you. This one explains that it is merely a financial matter concerning credit and that no court would offer you any chance to get out of the deal. After all, he explains, you did agree to buy the truck, didn't you?

You hang up the phone. Defeated. Broken. What can you do? You don't have the $4,000 that the dealer demands. In fact, the $3,000 that you did give them emptied your bank account except for the minimum needed to keep the account open. And, at 17% interest the monthly payments would be more than you could afford anyway.

What can you do? The police department shows you the door. The small claims lady acted like you were some crazy nut who was just bothering her. All the lawyers want is more money that you don't have.

So, what can you do? Where do you turn? Right now, you are renting. But you intended to buy a house this year. But, how will you be able to do that now with this credit problem? You started off with an old truck. Now, you have nothing. Your money is gone. Your old truck is gone.

You sit there and try to think. There has to be a way out of this. You pour yourself a shot of some whisky that you keep for when guests come over. A few hours later, you call your girlfriend at work. She is sympathetic, but unfortunately she simply doesn't have any money to loan you. After all, she is a single mother of a two year old daughter. There are months when her ex-husband simply forgets to send his child support. But, she lets it go because she knows that they have cut back everyone's hours down at the plant.

You thank her for her time just as she tells you that she has to be getting back to work now. A customer just walked in and her lunch break is over. She asks if you'll be OK and you tell her not to worry. Everything will be just fine, you say.

But, who are you kidding? Nothing is fine! Nothing will be fine! How could anything be fine? You're backed up against the wall! You got nowhere to go and nowhere left to turn! This is not fine! In fact, this is the complete opposite of fine! This is so un-fine that it's never going to be fine ever again!

As you're standing there gazing out your living-room window, you see that god-damned dog from next-door. Taking a s**t in your yard again! You told the neighbor about that! Hell, you live on a back road miles from town. The nearest neighbor is thousands of feet away. So, why can't he keep his dog in his own yard? Is that too much to ask? Is it too much for a man to have a clean front yard when he doesn't even have a dog? You know, people push you. They just keep pushing and pushing just to see how far you will go.

As you're thinking these words, you head out into the attached garage. The alcohol has fogged your brain somewhat. After all, you rarely drink anything. You gave up having a beer after work several years ago, when you went on the health and fitness plan.

As you slam open the garage door, a hammer drops off the wall and lands on top of your shoe. It's a rubber hammer. They call it a dead-blow hammer because it's filled with lead shot. Dead-blow. Huh? That's funny.

You look down at your feet now. You're outside in the yard. How did this happen? The dog is lying there. It's kind of yelping. Little, short yelps. Almost like a kitten. Yeah. A new-born kitten. A day or two old. Fresh out of the womb. That's the sound that the dog is making.

The dog is missing an eye. The empty socket is like a black cavity in the animal's head. The eye is hanging out, by a thread of tissue. All you did was hit the dog once. You really didn't put all your strength into it either. It's the dead-blow hammer. The d**n hammer. What is happening here?

You will have to remember to take it easy on the finance manager. What was his name again? Murphy, wasn't it? Yeah, that's how he came over and introduced himself. Mr. Murphy.

By now, it's almost dark and getting late in the day. How long were you sitting in the truck? Five cigarettes? Six, maybe? You look in your pocket and see that the whole pack is empty. Now, why would somebody put an empty cigarette box back in his shirt pocket? What sense does that make?

Isn't it strange, the things that go through your mind at a time like this? I mean, what is the purpose of your life? Why do you get up and go to work each day? What is your place in this universe? Will you die today? Were you ever really alive to begin with, or was this whole thing only a dream?

No more drinks. You need to be clear-headed for what comes next. You get out of the truck and go back inside. Revolver. Three-fifty seven magnum. Dirty-Harry. No, Callahan always carried a forty-four. Either way, this will do fine. Don't forget the hammer. Dead-blow hammer, you giggle to yourself.

As you walk back out to the truck, you notice that the dog is gone now. Not moving. Flies are in its mouth. BOOM! The bullet splatters into the rib cage. BOOM! Now, the head is gone. d**n, you didn't even aim. Well, how hard can it be to hit something that's eight feet away? Practice shots. The time will come soon for the real thing. And, now you know that you can do it. You got what it takes. No hesitation. No mercy. Destiny. I'm mr f**king destiny come down to pay my bill!

Alright, now you're going. The truck is in gear and heading down the road. I'm going to see Mr. Murphy. I got your money, pal. Pal. Old-buddy. Yeah, we're gonna dance tonight old buddy! Just you and me and the one-eyed dog.

It's funny how people go from sane and rational and going to work and paying their taxes and the electric bill like a normal person. Funny how that can all change in an instant. I mean, who would think? Yesterday morning you got up and went to work and showed your co-workers your new truck. You made plans for the weekend. Maybe some fishing out at the lake. Didn't the county just stock it with new fish recently? What were they? Trout? Hell, I don't know. Either way, it would have been a fun weekend out with your friends.

But, now that's all gone. All gone. Gone, gone, gone! Now you're heading down to the dealership with the intention of killing most of the people there. There, you said it! See? You said it! No fear. You have what it takes. BOOM! The truck's passenger side window is gone. The glass pieces blow away in the wind. Almost there now. Gotta be cool. Let's get it together. Remember, no mercy. We're gonna dance.

And, there he is. Mr. Murphy. Alright! What's that expression they always use? Cocked and locked? Wait, isn't that just for 45 automatics? Why do they even say that? Why would you want it to be locked? What sense does that make?

You're inside now. You're walking in slow motion. A dream. Is this all a dream? And, what about my cigarettes? d**n, I knew I forgot something! Even a condemned man is entitled to a last smoke, right? You grab a Marlboro from the red box on the girl's desk. What does she do here? Receptionist? Clerk? She's young. Maybe 18 or 19. Still seated in her office chair. She pushes back frantically with her feet, away from you. Eyes wide. Shaking. For a moment, you make eye contact. Little girl. Frantic girl. Pleading girl. Begging with her eyes. Are those tinted contacts? Pretty blue. But, she's not the one. Life will go on.

But, for you, it's up the stairs. Two at a time. That's because you're here on a mission. We're gonna dance. You and me mr car dealership owner. And, let's not forget the one-eyed dog. He would have wanted it that way. Dogs make good pets. If he were here now, he'd bite this nasty car dealer owner. Sic em boy. Show these car people that I mean business.

Look, this is a big misunderstanding, pal. Please! I got a wife and two kids. He's pleading now too. Funny, he seems almost calm. Nervous, but calm, in a detached sort of way. Too calm for a man seconds away from death. But, that's OK, because you're calm too. Where are you gonna go? I mean, after the dance? Where are you gonna go? How many bullets are left? Let's see, one went out the window. Two more for Mr. Murphy. That's three. And, now two more for the dealership owner. Is he gone? Yeah, he's gone. Just like the one-eyed dog. His head's missing. You know, you really should have gone hunting when you had the chance. You're pretty d**n good. I mean, considering that you aren't even aiming or anything.

So, what have we got left? One bullet. And, it's got your name on it. What the hell, you were there to dance anyway! It's funny. Here you are, moments away from your own death, and yet you have never felt more alive. Every sense. So in touch with the world. You hear everything. The subtle nuances. So, this is how it all works, huh? You can feel the end of the barrel as you press it up against your temple. At your feet, you hear the owner gurgle for a second. As you look down at him, you see your own reflection in the window glass behind his desk. What is your last thought? God d**n! I left the garage door open. You were in such a hurry to rush right down here that you left the d**n garage door open!

In your next life, you really need to remember to be more careful. After all, that's how burglaries happen, right? How can a man keep control of his kingdom if he goes around leaving every garage door open? You really need to make a note of that so you won't forget next time.

Go read this Rip Off Report. An American hero brought a gun to a car dealer. Shame it was pointed in the wrong direction!

www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff36168.htm

You should first read every bit of paperwork. Then if you had a certified quality inspection of some sort ask to see the alignment papers or to have copies. if you bought this car as is there isnt much you can do. If you bought this car with any kind of warranty if it was written or implied look that over to see if your covered on those parts. Start Documenting everything from reciets to phone calls and conversations. If you are trying to just get your money back it might end up in court where you will need evidence. Go from there and see where that gets you. Most likely they wont just offer to give you your money back you have to make them have a breech in the contract somewhere or find one at least. Like in my case they stated that they do not do alignments on every vehicle after I found this out. So I got their brochure thier own website and my paperwork where it states the things that would have caught my pretty badly dmaged vehicle. Hope that helps some.

You should first read every bit of paperwork. Then if you had a certified quality inspection of some sort ask to see the alignment papers or to have copies. if you bought this car as is there isnt much you can do. If you bought this car with any kind of warranty if it was written or implied look that over to see if your covered on those parts. Start Documenting everything from reciets to phone calls and conversations. If you are trying to just get your money back it might end up in court where you will need evidence. Go from there and see where that gets you. Most likely they wont just offer to give you your money back you have to make them have a breech in the contract somewhere or find one at least. Like in my case they stated that they do not do alignments on every vehicle after I found this out. So I got their brochure thier own website and my paperwork where it states the things that would have caught my pretty badly dmaged vehicle. Hope that helps some.

You should first read every bit of paperwork. Then if you had a certified quality inspection of some sort ask to see the alignment papers or to have copies. if you bought this car as is there isnt much you can do. If you bought this car with any kind of warranty if it was written or implied look that over to see if your covered on those parts. Start Documenting everything from reciets to phone calls and conversations. If you are trying to just get your money back it might end up in court where you will need evidence. Go from there and see where that gets you. Most likely they wont just offer to give you your money back you have to make them have a breech in the contract somewhere or find one at least. Like in my case they stated that they do not do alignments on every vehicle after I found this out. So I got their brochure thier own website and my paperwork where it states the things that would have caught my pretty badly dmaged vehicle. Hope that helps some.

You should first read every bit of paperwork. Then if you had a certified quality inspection of some sort ask to see the alignment papers or to have copies. if you bought this car as is there isnt much you can do. If you bought this car with any kind of warranty if it was written or implied look that over to see if your covered on those parts. Start Documenting everything from reciets to phone calls and conversations. If you are trying to just get your money back it might end up in court where you will need evidence. Go from there and see where that gets you. Most likely they wont just offer to give you your money back you have to make them have a breech in the contract somewhere or find one at least. Like in my case they stated that they do not do alignments on every vehicle after I found this out. So I got their brochure thier own website and my paperwork where it states the things that would have caught my pretty badly dmaged vehicle. Hope that helps some.

And some really, really creepy ones.

While I don't advocate shooting used car salesmen, anyone who has been through a bad experience probably has had the thought a time or two. Salesmen as a whole just don't get it. They have no clue as to what condition a vehicle is in, and taking their word would be like taking MY word that a vehicle is good. A vehicle that I haven't seen.

Best bet is to find a reputable repair shop that you trust, and either bring the car to him or have him come look at the car. Best to bring the car to him because visual inspection only goes so far. If there were new tires on a vehicle, he couldn't tell if there was an alignment problem visually, unless it was REAL bad.

Yes, you will wind up paying for his time, but if it saves you from dealing with all this, isn't it worth it? Plus, anything that he finds wrong, you can require the dealer to fix before taking delivery (Get that in writing). If it all falls apart, then you're out $200 or so. Whole lot better than being out $7000.

Not much I can say to your comment Paul, except, "RIGHT ON!" I almost completely agree with you. However, I do believe they are some out there that are good people and can be honest. But, the majority have one thing on their mind and that is to suck your wallet dry by any means. CARMAX being at the top of that list! I am still in some kind of disbelief over my experience at carmax, and the number of people who have had the same or similar treatment. I am going to build a web page on my space devoted to the workings of the dealership! Here is what they did to me;

http://badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff153768.htm

The shooting happened just days after they took my car back. Everyone that knew I was going through this was calling to make sure I was not involved in the shooting. haha.
However, I did find out that the dealer told me there was a 5 month 50,000 mile warranty on the car so I didn't purchase the extended. When I got home and looked up the mazda warranty it was 3 month 30,000 mile. So, I would have no warranty anyway!

Last week, I was watching the news. There was a fatal shooting at a car dealership. It seems that one of these d**n dealer crooks ripped off a woman. So, the next day she comes back and brings her husband along. I guess they gave the crook a chance, but he just sat there and laughed like he knew he ripped them off and there was nothing they could do about it.

Well, the husband sure showed him a thing or two. He pulled out a gun and popped the a*****e right there in his dealer chair. Here's your big fat sales commission, fool.

A little extreme, you're thinking?

Not at all. You see, when the public rises up and takes a stand against car dealer scams, then and only then does the problem cease to exist.

As long as people are willing to sit there and take the abuse, these ripoffs will go right on happening. But, when the public gets sick and tired of these d**n scams and the fairy-tale lies, and they get the nerve up to do something about it, then the problem ends.

So what if we lose a few hundred car salesmen. It's not like they're real people or anything. They rip people off day in and day out for a living. It's one scam after another at the car dealerships. Besides, the salesmen who take their place will realize that their life depends on giving customers an honest deal.

Personally, I'm surprised this kind of thing doesn't happen a hell of a lot more! When I read some of the dealer scams on this site, I am completely outraged by the whole thing.

These d**n dealers sit there and dream up new ways to cheat people every day. It doesn't matter who the customer is. A young girl out shopping for her first new car. Or, an elderly grandmother who just wants something cheap that will fit into her social security and retirement budget. None of these people's needs matter one bit to these d**n crooks. They will gladly strip the first time buyer of every penny she owns and some more besides. And, they will laugh all the way to the finance department after taking the elderly woman for all her savings and totally cheating her on her trade-in.

These people manipulate the number on the contracts every chance they get. They will sit there and lie to you and then turn right around and blame you for not understanding. One of their typical scams is when they allow you to take the car home based on one price and then call you a day or two later and demand hundreds or even thousands more.

I'll tell you something. These dealers got some d**n nerve. They treat the customers little better than animals destined for the slaughter house. I'm actually glad to see that someone had the guts to stand up and take a stand against these crooks. It wouldn't bother me one bit if someone took out an ax and chopped some of these d**n dealers up just like the Iraqs did to their prisoner a while back.

That would put the fear of god back in these d**n crooks. I'll bet the next time a customer walked in and asked for the price that was listed in the newspaper, he wouldn't get the runaround anymore. And the phony calls would stop too. Just try calling the buyer up and demanding more money. He'll come back alright. Back with a hatchet to chop your d**n head off. A few deals like that and you can forget all about those interest rates that suddenly change the minute you drive off the lot.

I think that's what it will take to put a stop to these d**n crooks. Lord knows the legal system will never help the customer. They just sit there and take the payoffs from the dealer associations and let the whole scam go right on happening.

I for one was glad to see this dealer crook meet his maker. I hope he was scared in his final moments. I hope he stayed alive long enough to understand that what he did to people was wrong and that now he was finally receiving the ultimate punishment for all the customers he ever cheated.

I only wish that this happened a lot more and that each time it was more widely publicized. Maybe then these d**n crooks would finally see that the public has had enough of the fraud.

The one sure way to prevent these ripoffs is never to buy from these used car resellers. There is no reason to. There are plenty of cars that are sold by private people. You should never have to resort to setting foot on a car lot.

But, if for some reason you are absolutely determined to buy from one of these carmax locations, at least have the common sense to know that everything you are being told is a lie. There is no inspection. Any trash that they come upon will be sold to the person who is foolish enough to buy it.

You never trust that the vehicle is as described. You always inspect it yourself. Top and bottom. If you don't know how to inspect a car, bring someone along who does.

And last, you never pay top dollar because you know that you will have to start spending money on the vehicle as soon as you drive it off the lot. So, you always allow plenty of extra money for the repairs it will need to make it drivable.

You know, I think that a lot of people feel the way I do. Almost everybody has had the opportunity at one time or another to buy a car from a dealer. Many of them drive off knowing that they have been cheated. But, they keep their emotions in check and make the payments anyway. Somehow, these people have come to accept getting cheated as part of the car buying experience. That's definitely something that needs to be changed.

I read your report about your car I just found out a "like new vehicle" I bought at Auto Advantage in Asheville NC has the same exact thing wrong with it! It cant be aligned either I found out only when I took it to the manufactures dealer to have it serviced (its still under warranty) They wouldnt let me leave with it beacuse of the severe wear on the rear tires due to it being out of line for so long! The deamed it unsafe under DMV standards I had had this car for 6 days!! So I took it back to the dealership after having to get new tires to even be able to drive it! Any way its sitting over there and they are "working on finding me another vehicle to trade for that is comprable" but as the days pass I'm not so sure I am coverd as far as the "30 day" thing but I dont know how to begin taking action to get my old car I traded back or my money it would be a tremendous help to me if you could let me know how to begin!! I hope your situation is resolved as well.

Thank You

This is getting stupid after being told I was getting a refund on my money they called my bank to find out how much was left on the loan they want to just pay the rest of the loan off and say its good. This isnt accepatable. They sold me a vehicle under false pretenses and now they want me to pay for having the vehicle and driving it and finding out later they did not do their full claimed 125 point inspection (their own words). I would watch Carmax this seems to be a growing trend.

Watch your paper work and what they say they exclude state laws in their warranty papers as far as NC is concerned and only give you a 30 day warranty this is unacceptable considering how I found my bent engine cradle was to take it to get it aligned 3 months later go figure I guess I was suppose to do that within 5 days now its my fault? And I should lose money for insurance and anything I have paid on the loan. I dont think so I will keep this updated for sure be careful. This is a common practice to not do what they claim and it just seems to be getting worse.

This is getting stupid after being told I was getting a refund on my money they called my bank to find out how much was left on the loan they want to just pay the rest of the loan off and say its good. This isnt accepatable. They sold me a vehicle under false pretenses and now they want me to pay for having the vehicle and driving it and finding out later they did not do their full claimed 125 point inspection (their own words). I would watch Carmax this seems to be a growing trend.

Watch your paper work and what they say they exclude state laws in their warranty papers as far as NC is concerned and only give you a 30 day warranty this is unacceptable considering how I found my bent engine cradle was to take it to get it aligned 3 months later go figure I guess I was suppose to do that within 5 days now its my fault? And I should lose money for insurance and anything I have paid on the loan. I dont think so I will keep this updated for sure be careful. This is a common practice to not do what they claim and it just seems to be getting worse.

This is getting stupid after being told I was getting a refund on my money they called my bank to find out how much was left on the loan they want to just pay the rest of the loan off and say its good. This isnt accepatable. They sold me a vehicle under false pretenses and now they want me to pay for having the vehicle and driving it and finding out later they did not do their full claimed 125 point inspection (their own words). I would watch Carmax this seems to be a growing trend.

Watch your paper work and what they say they exclude state laws in their warranty papers as far as NC is concerned and only give you a 30 day warranty this is unacceptable considering how I found my bent engine cradle was to take it to get it aligned 3 months later go figure I guess I was suppose to do that within 5 days now its my fault? And I should lose money for insurance and anything I have paid on the loan. I dont think so I will keep this updated for sure be careful. This is a common practice to not do what they claim and it just seems to be getting worse.

This is getting stupid after being told I was getting a refund on my money they called my bank to find out how much was left on the loan they want to just pay the rest of the loan off and say its good. This isnt accepatable. They sold me a vehicle under false pretenses and now they want me to pay for having the vehicle and driving it and finding out later they did not do their full claimed 125 point inspection (their own words). I would watch Carmax this seems to be a growing trend.

Watch your paper work and what they say they exclude state laws in their warranty papers as far as NC is concerned and only give you a 30 day warranty this is unacceptable considering how I found my bent engine cradle was to take it to get it aligned 3 months later go figure I guess I was suppose to do that within 5 days now its my fault? And I should lose money for insurance and anything I have paid on the loan. I dont think so I will keep this updated for sure be careful. This is a common practice to not do what they claim and it just seems to be getting worse.

Useless information but thanks...After talking to the Law Office for Carmax their lawyer must not have liked their chances in court I'm getting a full refund plus anything put into the vehicle including 30,000 miles service. I'm sure after what you have wrote on my report to this website you must not have any kind of intelligence and I'm sure you have horrible credit thanks but no thanks a little persistence and a good case always wins.

Useless information but thanks...After talking to the Law Office for Carmax their lawyer must not have liked their chances in court I'm getting a full refund plus anything put into the vehicle including 30,000 miles service. I'm sure after what you have wrote on my report to this website you must not have any kind of intelligence and I'm sure you have horrible credit thanks but no thanks a little persistence and a good case always wins.

Useless information but thanks...After talking to the Law Office for Carmax their lawyer must not have liked their chances in court I'm getting a full refund plus anything put into the vehicle including 30,000 miles service. I'm sure after what you have wrote on my report to this website you must not have any kind of intelligence and I'm sure you have horrible credit thanks but no thanks a little persistence and a good case always wins.

Everybody knows that carmax sells junk. Wrecks. Engine rebuilds. Theft salvages. Why else would the cars be there?



So, there's really no point in going into a whole laundry-list of everything that is either bent, busted, or held together with wire and super-glue.



That's exactly what you expect to get from carmax.



Evidentially, you are the only one who actually believes this certified nonsense.



The only way to buy a used car is from a private party. That's common sense. A private party is selling a car they used, not some wreck they bought from an out-of-state wholesale auction.



Plus, a private party is taking a loss on the price. A dealer is MAKING money on the price. Which would you rather pay?



Plus, you never believe what the dealers tell you. Christ! You're a babe in the woods. I don't give a d**n whether they have the pope come over and bless the d**n thing. It's still junk and a terrible deal.



That's why it's at carmax to begin with.



Here's what I would do. First, stop paying on the loan for the car. Then, part the d**n thing out and get as much out of it that you can.



Next, let the auto repossessor come over and haul the stripped chassis away. End of problem.



Since that destroys your credit, throw away any other outstanding loans you have.



Now, you've solved two problems. You won't be paying tons of interest any more. And, you got rid of the junk car and stuck the finance company with it.



After they lose enough, they'll wise up and stop buying the carmax loans.



Plus, I'd file a lawsuit with carmax for the needed repairs. Make them come into court. I doubt you'll win, but it's worth a try.



In the future, buy your next car from a real person, not some crook you meet on a car lot.

Now they have found the engine craddle to be damaged and yet I ask for my money back again and still no satisifaction. Now they tell me this is a common thing to replace everything forward of the firewall is connected to this thing but this is a commonly replaced part?

So today I get a report back from Carmax now that they have replaced the lower control arm. They still cant get it aligned it's now in the body shop being checked for frame damage. This is past me what this tells me is this is the exact reason why the alignment was canceled I just cant believe I'm even going through this on a certified vehicle from such a reputable company as Carmax. Once again I have not ever heard anything bad about them until now. It makes me wonder how many of these cars are lemons and the consumer just doesn't know any better.